Mulching Tips

See also: Tips to Keep your yard green, Mulching Tips,Pressure Wash Cleaning Tips, Pruning Roses,Painting your Deck

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Selecting Mulch

Summer mulches. Summer mulches are in place during the growing season and are used primarily for flowers and vegetables. Their roles are to retain moisture, reduce weed growth, and moderate soil temperatures. Summer mulches are often left in place through the winter to reduce erosion. For perennial plants, they can also be supplemented by winter mulches.
Winter mulches. Mulches used primarily to protect shrubs and flowers from severe winter temperatures and frost leaving are called winter mulches. They are laid down in late fall and serve as insulation during the winter. Winter mulches are useful only in areas with cold winter weather.
Permanent mulches. Permanent mulches are used where mulch is desired year round and does not need to be disturbed-for example, in paths and around trees and shrubs. If organic material is used, "permanent" mulches will still need to be replenished annually.

Mulch is composed of organic material mixed with soils. A wide range of materials can be used, including yard clippings, eggshells, coffee grounds, ashes, etc.
Combining green plant materials, and woody plant materials in a mulch is recommended. Adding some dirt, clay, and/or sand ahead of time is also recommended.
Composting the mulch before adding it to the lawn is often recommended.
Mulch can be used to change the pH of the soil. Citrus peels and coffee grounds will make it more acidic. Eggshells and ashes will make it more basic.

Summer mulches for annual flowers and vegetable gardens are normally applied in midspring, once the soil has warmed enough for active root growth.
For best weed suppression in a perennial border, apply mulch in early spring, before the forsythia blooms.
For best results, remove any existing weeds before applying mulch.
Mulches applied for winter protection should be laid down 'in early winter, once the soil has cooled but before it has frozen.
For trees and shrubs, spread mulch evenly to a depth of 2 to 3 inches.
For trees and shrubs in beds, mulch the entire bed.
For those in a lawn, mulch a wide ring (extending from 3 to 6 feet out from the trunk) around each plant.
Never pile mulch against tree trunks.
Pull mulch back away from the trunk about an inch or so.
As organic mulches decompose, they may need to be replenished somewhat every year; but don't let mulch build up to depths greater than about 4 inches.
For flower beds, mulch can be applied up to 3 inches deep (after settling), but should be kept pulled back slightly from plant stems. Mulches should thoroughly cover an area to a uniform depth to be most effective. Low or bare spots are prone to weed problems.